Retreat Leaders

Vicki Fink is an ELCA pastor and spiritual director. She serves St John's Lutheran Church in Saxeville, Wisconsin. She studied Spiritual Direction and Retreat Ministry at the Norbertine Abbey in De Pere, WI and is committed to helping others realize and receive God's mercy and reign through Christ.  

Dave Fink, MSW, works promoting health and well-being in a major corporation. Dave is an ECSW Lay School graduate and treasures time outside, movement, music and community.

Guest Pastors /Speakers share their gifts by offering talks, leading worship and contributing to the gift of community that takes shape at meals and in small groups.

2009 Guest Leaders

Pastor Joy Mortensen-Wiebe serves as Associate with the Bishop for the East-Central Synod of WI, ELCA. Joy shared reflections using poetry- which was surprisingly new for her she noted! The images shared supported reflection together and led well into personal quiet prayer.

Deborah Benada, MATS, RN, FCN/PN is a retreat leader living now in the Waupaca area where she and her husband run Crystal Rivier Inn B & B. Drawing on her background in parish nursing Deb, helped participants make connections between body, mind and spirit and engaged the group in prayer movement.

Pastor Judy Deckert serves Grace Lutheran Church in Appleton, WI. She loves visual art and shared her tools for creativity generously with the group while reviewing key texts on the theme as they have been experienced in her life. Judy affirms the wonder of quiet and time "to be".

Pastor Amy Engebos serves in Fond du Lac at Ascenssion Lutheran Church. She is currently also a participant in the Grace Institute for Spiritual Formation. During the January retreat Amy shared a vivid way she learned about God's care and wisdom in her life as well as some of her favorite images of God. As a music teacher in a previous life, she also shared her vocal gifts in worship.

2008 Guest Pastors

 Pastor Karen Jewell serves St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Oshkosh, WI. She has been an ELCA pastor for 15 years serving at St. John in Ashwaubenon previous to moving to Oshkosh. Among the things she loves about ministry are retreat times when people can come together to learn and grow nearer to God. 
 
Pastor Poala Bennechi serves a mission church in Menasha, WI, called the Family Church. Poala has been involved in several other innovative ministries during her time in the US. She was born in Italy, and she and her family visit there regularly. Pastor Bennechi's personal practice of taking time apart helps her balance her roles as pastor, wife and mother of four.

Pastor Dave Lyle serves First English Lutheran Church in Appleton WI. He is a graduate of William and Mary and Luther Seminary. Pastor Dave had his start in ministry as a camp counselor and enjoys leading mission trips along with the other pastoral duties of teaching and preaching.

Pastor Ted Gulhaugen serves Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Merrill, WI. Pastor Ted has been leading a Discipleship Group in his congregation. The group shares challenges and joys of living their faith in everyday life. 

Pastor Kurt Kovanen serves Trinity Lutheran Church in Appleton, WI with his wife, Pastor Mary Beth Kovanen. They have two active teenage children. Kurt brings a deep sense of caring to his ministry.

Pastor Nathan Gauerke serves Hope Lutheran Church in Wautoma, WI. He offered his gifts at a retreat not long before he began a professional sabbatical. Nate is aware of the importance of time apart for renewal and works to practice sabbath in a variety of ways. 

Pastor Bruce Hanstedt works with the Lay School of Ministry and teaches Bethel Bible Series. He realizes that we can have all the mental knowlege in the world- but without a solid personal connection with God- our ministry is not going to be grace-filled.